WanaBana Recalls WanaBana, Weis, and Schnucks Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée Pouches & Cinnamon Apple Sauce due to Elevated Lead Levels

Summary

Company Announcement

For Immediate Release – November 9, 2023 – United States – WanaBana USA is voluntarily recalling all lots of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches, manufactured by Austrofoods S.A.S. and distributed by WanaBana USA due to reports of elevated levels of lead found in certain units of the product.

Pursuant to the FDA, lead is toxic to humans and can affect people of any age or health status. Protecting children from exposure to lead is important to lifelong good health. Lead exposure in children is often difficult to see. Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms. If you suspect that your child might have consumed this product, parents should talk to your child’s healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test. Lead poisoning can only be diagnosed through clinical testing. Although signs and symptoms of lead toxicity vary, short term exposure to lead could result in the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Abdominal pain/Colic
• Vomiting
• Anemia

Longer term exposure could result in additional symptoms:

• Irritability
• Lethargy
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches or muscle prickling/burning
• Occasional abdominal discomfort
• Constipation
• Difficulty concentrating/Muscular exhaustibility
• Headache
• Tremor
• Weight loss

WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée Pouches were distributed nationwide through online and retail stores. The affected product information is WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree in 3-pack pouches of 2.5 oz.

WanaBana USA has initiated a voluntary recall of all batches and is working closely with the FDA to investigate the source of the contamination. The company is committed to ensuring the safety of its products and the well-being of its consumers. Four illnesses have been reported to date, leading North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to investigate and sample the pouches. North Carolina’s analyses came back with elevated concentrations of lead which could result in acute toxicity. WanaBana trade channels include Dollar Tree and Amazon. WanaBana USA is working to investigate the source of the contamination and is collaborating with the FDA in updating consumers with information related to this product recall.

The recall also includes Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches manufactured by Austrofoods S.A.S. and distributed independently in the US as private label brands. The first of these brands is Schnucks Apple Sauce 90g pouches with cinnamon. The affected Schnucks lots subject of the product recall were identified as 05023:19 and 09023:24. To date, there have been no injuries reported related to Schnucks products. Photos of the Schnuck product is attached.

The second of these brands is Weis Cinnamon Apple Sauce 90g, reported an affected lot number 05023:28, which is also included in the product recall. To date, there have been no injuries reported related to Weis products. Photos of the Weis brand is attached.

Consumers who have purchased WanaBana, Schnucks or Weis products with the specified batch numbers and expiration dates are urged to stop using the product immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Parents and caregivers of toddlers and young children who may have been exposed to lead should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. Consumers with questions can email the company at [email protected].

Original Press Release

FDA’s Advisory